Archive · 24 Aug 2026
Meloni Says Working With Trump Has Been Difficult
Giorgia Meloni is the prime minister of Italy.
She expected working with Donald Trump to be easier because they agree on some political issues.
Instead, they have argued publicly several times.
Meloni said some of Trump’s comments about Pope Leo were unacceptable.
She also rejected Trump’s claim that she begged him for a photograph.
Trump criticised Meloni in response and disagreed with her position on Iran.
Meloni said Italy must decide its foreign policy based on national interests, not personal friendships.
She still wants Western countries to remain united and wants Italy to have more influence in Europe.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said cooperation with Donald Trump has been harder than expected despite shared views on immigration and progressive cultural issues.
Meloni criticised Trump’s remarks about Pope Leo, Italy’s military contribution in Afghanistan and an alleged request for a photograph at the Group of 7 summit.
Trump responded that Meloni’s criticism was unacceptable and questioned her position on Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
Meloni said Italy’s foreign policy cannot depend on her personal relationship with Trump, while stressing the importance of Western unity.
Meloni continues to support NATO and Ukraine while seeking a stronger, more independent role for Italy within Europe.
- Who
- Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and United States President Donald Trump.
- What
- Meloni said cooperation with Trump has been difficult despite shared positions on immigration and progressive cultural issues.
- When
- The comments were made in an interview with The New York Times after several public disputes, including disagreements in June.
- Where
- The disputes involved the United States, Italy and the Group of 7 summit in France.
- Why
- The two leaders share some ideological positions but disagree over foreign policy, national interests, public criticism and how allies should treat one another.
Meloni’s Position
Trump’s Position
Personal disputes and public criticism
Meloni’s Position
Meloni said Trump’s remarks about Pope Leo were unacceptable and rejected his claim that she had begged for a photograph.
Trump’s Position
Trump said Meloni’s criticism was unacceptable and claimed she had sought the photograph at the Group of 7 summit.
Foreign-policy priorities
Meloni’s Position
Meloni said Italy’s strategy must be based on national interests and not on whether she personally gets along with Trump.
Trump’s Position
Trump criticised European positions and questioned the contributions of European NATO members, while also challenging Meloni over Iran.
Relationship between shared ideology and cooperation
Meloni’s Position
Meloni’s experience suggests that agreement on immigration and progressive cultural issues does not eliminate disagreements between allies.
Trump’s Position
Trump’s approach has continued to prioritise his criticisms of European governments and leaders despite political similarities with Meloni.
- Interview
- The New York Times interview
- Italian leader
- Giorgia Meloni
- United States leader
- Donald Trump
- Main disagreement
- Meloni said working with Trump had been more difficult than expected.
- Western unity
- Meloni said unity among Western countries remains important.
- Italy’s foreign policy
- Meloni said it should not depend on her personal relationship with Trump.
- Italy’s strategic goal
- Meloni wants Italy to have a stronger role in setting Europe’s direction.